Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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Dry eye syndrome, marked by feelings of grittiness, irritation, and burning as well as difficulty reading for long periods of time, and, even though it seems quite contradictory, excessive tearing or watering of the eyes, is a potentially debilitating condition that requires treatment.

Some eye doctors blame dry eye on problems with the meibomian gland, one of the sources of tear film.  An article in Optometry Times discusses ways to clear blockages of the meibomian gland including the potentially painful squeezing of the gland (by a medical professional) or the less aggressive (though also potentially less effective) application of warm compresses to melt the obstruction.

For other treatments of dry eye and tips on how to prevent the condition, visit our website.

image via nei.nih.gov

Cataracts are not inevitable parts of aging. They can be prevented through proper nutrition and the supplementation of certain nutrients that are vital to the proper functioning of the eyes.

One of these important compounds is glutathione which helps prevent the free radical damage that can lead to cataract formation. Studies have shown that people who have cataracts have 80% less of the glutathione in their eyes than they need.

Natural sources of glutathione include eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions and cauliflower. Learn more about certain supplements that can really help you bring up your levels and ward off cataracts.

For other ways to prevent and treat cataracts naturally, visit our website.

via minorityhealth.hhs.gov

Age is a major factor in the development of potentially debilitating eye conditions such as macular degeneration, but there are risk factors for the disease that one can control.  The two major contributors to the development of macular degeneration that you can avoid: smoking and fat intake.

The good news related to smoking and the development of macular degeneration is that you can cut your risk significantly if you quit (unlike some diseases where a past history of smoking is as bad a being a current smoker).  It’s another good incentive to kick the habit.

Regular intake of both animal and vegetable fats (including trans fats and hydrogenated fats) can make one twice as susceptible to macular degeneration.  It is important to focus on the good fats like those found in essential fatty acids.

For further information on how to prevent and treat macular degeneration naturally, visit our website.

Image via nei.nih.gov

Glaucoma patients are more likely to suffer from and die from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and accidents.

A study of over 300,000 people in Taiwan with and without glaucoma revealed that those with open-angle glaucoma were much more likely to be afflicted by comorbidities that adversely affect their quality of life.  Source: http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=76960

Since we consider eye health to be a reflection of overall health, it makes sense that the health those with glaucoma would be compromised as well.  It’s not that eye disease is causing these other conditions; it may be that both glaucoma and the other conditions are just the outward signs that a person is unwell. 

For a complete listing of wellness tips to prevent and treat glaucoma and to keep your whole body healthy, look to this page.

via www.nei.nih.gov

Dry eye syndrome can be a difficult condition to cope with, especially if you are a contact lens wearer.

Many patients found that the eye drops that can be purchased at the pharmacy don’t work, and can even be hazardous to use – eye drops that contain preservatives can aggravate dry eye symptoms, and even kill corneal cells. Eye drops that promise to “get the red out” will reduce circulation in the eye, decrease production of the tear film, and worse, eventually make your eyes even drier.

A study published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye showed that the omega-6 fatty acids in evening primrose oil can help reduce dry eye symptoms in female contact lens wearers.  After six months, the women in the trial who were administered evening primrose oil reported less eye dryness than those who received the placebo (olive oil).

Read more research studies on dry eyes.

For other natural treatment options for dry eye, click here.

via usda.gov

Macular Degeneration (ARMD-Aged Related Macular Degeneration) is the slow deterioration of the cells in the macula, a tiny yellowish area near the center of the retina where vision is the most precise, that affects the central vision. There is a common misconception that blindness is inevitable for those with macular degeneration, but there are a number of nutrients and supplements that can support the eyes and promote natural healing.

Research shows that the amino acid taurine has the ability to prevent, treat and stabilize retinal changes in some cases. Eggs and fish are good sources of taurine, but you can also take it in supplement form.
An important note: taurine should be taken on an empty stomach.

Even more important are the cartenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are primarily obtained from dark green leafy vegetables. Research shows that risk of AMD was significantly lower in those who increased the cartenoids in their diet – up to 43%. So, eat your spinach and your kale and your collards and consider supplementing your diet further to really protect yourself from macular degeneration.

Visit our page on macular degeneration to learn about other nutrients and compounds that can support your eye health.

Also, learn more about the nutrients available in your food at this page.

Painting of a retina with uveitis by Howard Bartner via history.nih.gov

As part of our Vision Wellness Protocol to prevent all eye diseases, we always recommend that you stop smoking.  Here’s another reason to quit: people who smoke are more than two times as likely to develop uveitis than non-smokers.

Uveitis is an inflammation of the inner layer of the eye that can result in severe and permanent vision loss. In addition, uveitis can lead to other ocular complications including glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage all of which can severely damage the eyes. Early detection and treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Uveitis can be a result of trauma to the eye, but often it is not possible to trace its cause.  But, as this study suggests, we may be able to add smoking to the list.  According to study author Nisha Acharya, MD, “Cigarette smoke includes compounds that stimulate inflammation within the blood vessels, and this may contribute to immune system disruption and uveitis.”

Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301135215.htm

For more on uveitis, including how to prevent and treat it naturally, visit our website.

Sometimes those bits of wisdom that “everybody knows” just have to be true.  In this case, yes, carrots really are good for your eyes.

A report at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – Middle East-Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) Joint Meeting described how beta carotene can help people with retinitis pigmentosa.

Image via maine.gov

Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disease most often marked by the onset of nightblindness during childhood that eventually leads to a loss of peripheral and eventually in many cases blindness.  Previous research has shown beta carotene, 9-cis, can help treat night blindness.  In this study, one third of the retinitis pigmentosa patients under observation showed improved visual function after taking a beta carotene supplement for 90 days. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204979.php

Learn more about other natural therapies for retinitis pigmentosa at our website.

For further information on how the nutrients in food can help eye health and overall health, check out this page.

Image via ars.usda.gov

A study published in the Nutrition Journal sought to find how walnuts can increase the plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy adults.  Study authors did not find any measurable increases, but they believe that further study is warranted.

They did find that levels of important compounds, the fatty acid linoleic acid and pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), did increase over the course of the 19 week study.

Source: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/21

Antioxidants are a key to eye health. They combat free radials that cause such eye diseases, particularly macular degneration and cataracts.